House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 44% of the vote.
Yugoslavia October 5th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, we will continue to follow events in the federal republic of Yugoslavia very closely.
Our embassy in Belgrade is monitoring the situation in co-ordination with democratic NGOs and like-minded countries. As the Deputy Prime Minister said, we are also in close contact with international partners, including Russia.
Yugoslavia September 26th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, we applaud the courage of all citizens of Yugoslavia, who turned out in massive numbers to vote, in a context clearly devoid of freedom and justice.
We encourage the Yugoslavian authorities to recognize the will of the people, and hope to see the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia rejoin the society of democratic nations.
As soon as a government committed to reform and reconciliation is in place we will initiate the removing of sanctions, ending the isolation of Yugoslavia and increasing assistance to support political and economic reform.
Liberal Party Of Canada September 26th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to welcome two new members to the big Liberal family: the hon. members for Shefford and Compton—Stanstead. After much reflection, they have decided to join the ranks of the Liberal Party of Canada. I congratulate them for responding to the wishes of their constituents in this way.
When I was elected in the 1995 byelection, and again in the general election in 1997, my constant message was this: let us not divide the federalist vote. As a continuation of that message, I am delighted to welcome my two new Liberal colleagues. The federal Liberal team is strengthened by their presence, and the entire Eastern Township region will reap the benefit.
Northern Ireland September 20th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, Canada has encouraged and participated in the peace process at all levels. Canada has contributed $1 million to the international fund for Ireland.
Eminent Canadians have been actively involved in the peace process. General John De Chastelain, for example, heads the independent international commission on decommissioning. Secretary of State Mandelson said yesterday of General De Chastelain “John De Chastelain was head of the decommissioning body for some years. He is a man who commands great trust in Northern Ireland. He has immense authority and credibility”.
Income Tax Act September 19th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, first I want to congratulate all the members of the foreign affairs committee for their outstanding work, including on the Iraq file.
Canada worked diligently throughout 1999 to re-engage the UN security council on Iraq in order to bring about humanitarian improvements and the return of weapons inspectors to Iraq.
As you are aware, it was a Canadian idea to create three panels in January 1999 to examine the humanitarian, disarmament and Kuwaiti POW issues to review the status of these issues. The panel reports were instrumental in the development of a UN security council resolution to address the thorny Iraq problem.
On December 17th, 1999, the UN security council passed the omnibus resolution on Iraq. The resolution calls for the re-establishment of a disarmament agency, the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspections Commission (UNMOVIC) to replace the Special Commission (UNSCOM) which left Iraq at the start of the bombing campaign in December 1998.
The resolution also invokes changes in the scope and delivery of humanitarian goods allowable under the current sanctions regime and sets clear disarmament conditions for the suspension of sanctions.
Passage of the resolution began the clock ticking on a number of key humanitarian provisions which can be implemented without requiring reciprocal Iraqi concessions.
These provisions include the lifting of the ceiling on oil exports, the addition of a cash component to humanitarian contracts to help with local implementation, and a streamlined approval process for humanitarian goods.
The humanitarian provisions of Resolution 1284 provide practical measures aimed at addressing the situation facing the people of Iraq. The resolution also provides a road map for the suspension and lift of sanctions as well as for increased investment in the Iraqi oil industry.
This is a step in the right direction.
Foreign Affairs June 15th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, Canada supports the UN Security Council resolution calling for the establishment of a bizonal, bicommunal federation on Cyprus.
Canada joined with the other G-8 members at last year's Cologne summit to invite the leaders of the two parties to comprehensive negotiations. We have advanced a de-mining initiative to the parties and offered to provide constitutional expertise. Canada is open to provide any other assistance it can to help resolve this longstanding question.
The G-8 has Cyprus on its agenda and will be closely monitoring developments in Geneva.
Foreign Affairs June 15th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, when Canada joined the Security Council in January 1999 we immediately raised concerns about the humanitarian conditions in Iraq. We facilitated the setting up of panels to study the conditions in Iraq and we re-opened the resolutions.
In April, Canada commissioned a study and set up a task force to investigate how sanctions could be better targeted. Recently in Ottawa the executive director of UNICEF said that it was not just sanctions but the government of Iraq that was responsible for the suffering of the children.
Bromont International June 14th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, when the Attractions Canada awards were given out, Bromont International won top honours in the sports event category.
I would therefore like to congratulate all those involved in organizing this equestrian competition, which has become over the years one of Quebec's most prestigious sporting events.
I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary work done by the person who might easily be called the father of these events, René Deslauriers. All of these honours are the product of 25 years of work and perseverance.
Bromont International has achieved extraordinary renown over the years. Last year alone, there were over 600 horses and riders from eight countries. Over 40,000 people attended the competitions.
This great Canadian award confirms the fact that Bromont International is a member of the very select club of exceptional events, marked by the quality of their organization.
Congratulations, again.
Foreign Affairs June 12th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the United Nations Mine Action Service recently concluded an assessment mission to evaluate mine action needs in South Lebanon. Canada is anxiously awaiting the official conclusion of the assessment mission.
We anticipate that one of the first needs will be to establish a mine awareness campaign to proceed with our contribution. Canadian involvement in mine action in South Lebanon is in keeping with the objectives of the Canadian land mine fund and our goal to integrate mine action through the Middle East peace process.
Thyroid Month June 8th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House and all Canadians that June is Thyroid Month in Canada.
Over one million Canadians of all ages suffer from some form of thyroid disease. Undiagnosed and untreated, thyroid troubles can often lead to serious physical and emotional problems. Women are five to ten times more likely than men to be affected.
The Thyroid Foundation of Canada has 23 volunteer chapters throughout the country. This organization provides information and support to thyroid disease sufferers and their families.
It also promotes public awareness of thyroid disease through publications and information meetings at the community level right across the country.
I urge you, Mr. Speaker, and all members of the House to join with me in wishing the Thyroid Foundation of Canada all the best on its 20th anniversary.